Runner on first, bunt to the third-base side

How the play works

This is the Standard bunt coverage with a runner on first: the corners charge, the shortstop covers second and the second baseman covers first. Down the third-base line two men are coming, the third baseman and the pitcher. The catcher's call decides who takes it; here the third baseman fields it and the pitcher peels off to cover third.

Key questions

Who fields a bunt to the third-base side with a runner on first?

The third baseman. Two men come down the line, the third baseman and the pitcher, and the catcher's call decides who takes it. The other peels off and covers.

Who covers third base on a bunt to the third-base side with a runner on first?

The pitcher. He holds the bag in case the throw to second gets away and the runner from first keeps going, and he tags any runner who tries to advance.

Where does the throw go on a bunt to the third-base side with a runner on first?

To second for the force on the lead runner, chest high to the inside of the bag. If the ball was bunted softly or the third baseman had to come a long way, he takes the sure out at first.

Who covers second base on a bunt to the third-base side with a runner on first?

The shortstop. He straddles the bag facing the fielder, takes the throw and makes the sure force out, stretching to the ball but never off the bag.

Who covers first base on a bunt to the third-base side with a runner on first?

The second baseman, as soon as the first baseman crashes or the bunt is down. The first baseman holds the runner and then charges, so the second baseman straddles first and expects the backdoor throw if the batter-runner rounds too far.

Who backs up third base on a bunt to the third-base side with a runner on first?

The left fielder, 30 to 40 feet behind third on the throwing line. The center fielder backs up second and the right fielder backs up first. See backing up.

Every position's job

Every fielder has a job on this play, even when the ball never comes near him.

1. 3B

   Third baseman

   Fields it and throws to second · Every third baseman play

   Attack the bunt the instant the batter shows bunt. Field it with two hands and listen for the catcher’s call, “Two!” or “One!” Throw to second for the force on the lead runner, chest high, to the inside of the bag. If the ball was bunted softly or you had to come a long way, take the sure out at first instead. After the throw, get off the base line, find the lead runner and be ready to cover a base if the play goes on.

2. SS

   Shortstop

   Covers second for the force · Every shortstop play

   Get to second and straddle the bag, facing the fielder, to give him a target. Take the throw and make the sure force out. Stretch to the ball, never off the bag. Then check the lead runner and get the ball to the pitcher.

3. 2B

   Second baseman

   Covers first · Every second baseman play

   Cover first as soon as the first baseman crashes or the bunt is down. Straddle the bag for a throw if the out is at first, and expect the backdoor throw if the batter-runner rounds too far. Stay on the bag until the ball is back to the pitcher, and make the tag if the throw comes. If the first baseman doesn’t crash, hold your position and keep the batter-runner from taking second.

4. C

   Catcher

   Calls who fields and where · Every catcher play

   Field the bunt if it’s in front of the plate. Otherwise make the call, loud, early and once: your call decides whether the third baseman or the pitcher takes it, and where it goes, “Two!” for the force or “One!” for the sure out. Then back up the throw, return to the plate and cover it, and watch the lead runner.

5. P

   Pitcher

   Peels off, covers third · Every pitcher play

   Come off the mound toward the third-base line with the third baseman. When the catcher gives the ball to him, peel off and get to third. Hold the bag in case the throw to second gets away and the runner from first keeps going. Stay on the bag until the ball is dead and tag any runner who tries to advance.

6. 1B

   First baseman

   Holds the runner, then charges · Every first baseman play

   Hold the runner on and leave as the pitch is released, then charge and take everything on the first-base side. The third baseman has this one, so get out of his way. Retreat to first if it’s open; the second baseman is there if you can’t get back.

7. CF

   Center fielder

   Backs up second · Every center fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up second. Line up behind second on the throwing line, 30 to 40 feet deep, and stop anything that gets through. Hold your spot until the ball is back in the infield, then return to your position.

8. LF

   Left fielder

   Backs up third · Every left fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up third. Line up behind third on the throwing line, 30 to 40 feet deep, and stop anything that gets through. Hold your spot until the ball is back in the infield, then return to your position.

9. RF

   Right fielder

   Backs up first · Every right fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up first. Line up behind first on the throwing line, 30 to 40 feet deep, and stop anything that gets through. Hold your spot until the ball is back in the infield, then return to your position.

Coaching points

1. Down the third-base line two men are coming — the third baseman and the pitcher. The catcher’s call decides who takes it; the other peels off and covers.
2. A bunt defense is decided before the pitch: everyone knows who crashes, who covers and who calls. The ball only tells you which of the three fielders picks it up.
3. The force on the lead runner at second is the primary play. First base is the fallback: a ball bunted softly, or a fielder who has to come a long way, takes the sure out there.

Test yourself

Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.

1. Runner on first, bunt. What is the first look?

   1. A.The force at second
   2. B.The sure out at first
   3. C.Third base, ahead of the runner
   4. D.The runner, to look him back to first
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The force at second.

2. Sacrifice bunt coming, runner on first. Where do you pitch?

   1. A.Jam a righty up; low and away to a lefty
   2. B.Low and away to a righty; jam a lefty
   3. C.Down the middle so he can’t miss it
   4. D.Curveballs in the dirt to everyone
   Show the answerHide the answer

   B. Low and away to a righty; jam a lefty. Jam a righty with a high strike; low and away to a lefty.

3. Hard bunt right at you, runner on first. Where’s the throw?

   1. A.Second, for the double play
   2. B.Third, ahead of the runner
   3. C.First — take the sure out
   4. D.Hold it — there’s no play
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. Second, for the double play. Second, for the double play — get it, quick leg under, throw.

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Bunt defense: every situation · The full situation library

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